NASHVILLE – Employers can now pay their unemployment insurance premiums online through ACH bank debit, announced Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips. This convenience eliminates the need for paper checks or the necessity for making special arrangements with your bank to pay by ACH credit.

Employers who use the Tennessee Premium and Wage Reporting System (TNPAWS) already have online access to their unemployment insurance account and now have the option to pay their premiums online.

“We’re pleased to offer this feature to employers,” said Phillips. “This payment function is fast, secure, and paperless and enhances employers’ ability to access their accounts online. Just a few clicks ensures the payment is received on time.”

Each quarter, active employers receive an access code on the quarterly report or notice mailed to them. The employer logs into TNPAWS by entering a user name and password they have created and registered. The log-in prompts employers to enter the employer account number and access code. At that point employers will see a screen that gives them two options: 1) File Current Quarter Report and 2) Pay Employer Statement online.

If employers elect to file the current quarter report, they will follow the prompts to complete the report. When the report is successfully filed, the report is displayed with a confirmation number, and the user will again be given an opportunity to pay online.

If employers elect to pay online, they are asked to specify if personal or business account, then to give the amount of the payment, first and last name on the check, routing number, and bank account number and address. Users then click the button to complete the payment process and may even request to have a receipt e-mailed.

It is not necessary to file a report and pay a premium at the same time. Employers can file today, then go back to TNPAWS closer to the due date and pay the premium online. All they have to do is log in and follow the on-screen instructions.

Since the ACH debit capability was made available, the department has received more than 6,046 payments totaling $7,744,522.02. That means more than 6,046 physical checks did not have to be processed manually, and money was deposited immediately instead of over a period of days.

Premium and Wage reports for the third quarter (July through September) are due the end of October. The quarterly reports will always have the account number and access code to use the online payment option. For questions see the Employer Accounts Office in your area at http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/Employers/taxoffices.html.